At the latest Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Oct. 24, students addressed several pressing campus issues and upcoming events, while highlighting concerns about facilities and student services.
Students reported multiple challenges across campus, including parking congestion following BestFest and ongoing issues with The Runner’s shuttle app connectivity. Users have requested more frequent live updates about bus locations and service disruptions.
The Robotics Club’s continued funding requests remain unaddressed, with other students joined in agreement that their clubs are also in need of more financial assistance. While concerns about housing conditions at University Oaks persist, a handful of students shared personal experiences during the open forum portion of the meeting. Locks have not been changed on windows despite recent events, with many students reporting they still do not feel safe living there. One student mentioned that mold can be found within air vents and on walls, sometimes even being painted over. UTSA faculty present noted that, although not owned by UTSA, the University Oaks facilities are still maintained by the university. A student also reported Sukkot celebration flags were torn down from a club’s booth in the Sombrilla this past week.
A new senator was placed on the Financial Affairs committee before moving on to a brief Graduate Student Constituent Engagement Survey result. Students showed that there is a great need for more dedicated quiet spaces specifically for graduate students. Results also show a need to review college stipends at the university, with the College of Liberal and Fine Arts currently offering the most competitive stipends.
The SGA board noted there were still many vacant seats for prospective students to join, including a representative from the Alvarez College of Business and open senate seats for every class year. Filing for in-house elections will run through Nov. 1 with grade and disciplinary checks during Nov. 4-8. The business affairs committee representative, Christina Powell, also discussed dining hall concerns and her intent to address them, as well as plans to bring more bicycles from the sustainability office to accessible locations on campus.
Upcoming Events
On behalf of the academic affairs committee, Paul Gonzales shared that on Oct. 29 there will be a talk on innovations related to AI and how these tools will benefit the academic space.
SGA advisor Chantea Swinson-Rhoe highlighted the alternative break options for students this holiday season. The Alternative Break Program is an experiential opportunity for UTSA students to explore a social issue in the community and have a direct impact locally. This opportunity builds upon leadership skills, fosters individual growth and promotes a deeper sense of global awareness through a weeklong service trip. The first alternative break option is the weekend before Thanksgiving from Nov. 22-24 and another holiday break will take place later in the winter from Jan. 6-9, 2025. The option during spring break will be from March 8-13, 2025. To apply for these trips, students must submit a completed Alternative Break Application on RowdyLink by Friday, Nov. 1 at Midnight.
Swinson-Rhoe also announced an opportunity for students called LeaderShape Institute. The LeaderShape Institute is an intensive and energizing, four-day educational experience designed to equip young adults to become extraordinary leaders. Each session is composed of approximately 60-70 students with applications being accepted through Nov. 1. The program will be taking place from Jan. 6-9, 2025.
The Student Body Vice President announced the SGA is hosting the Trick or Treat on the Paseo event on Halloween, with the UTSA police department also hosting a Trunk or Treat event the same day at Park West Athletics Complex from 6-9 p.m.
UTSA alumnus Zack Dunn will be making an appearance on Nov. 6 for the pizza with a change-maker event. While at the university, he was twice elected Student Body President, named Mr. UTSA and selected to be an Archer Fellow.
Student Success Day will take place on Nov. 12, where many university departments will be offering several different events including raffles, giveaways, music and more.
To end the meeting, the SGA board recognized Senator Sydney Self as the Senator of the Month for October.
For more information about any of these updates or to get involved with SGA, students are encouraged to contact their student representatives or email SGA at [email protected].
